The core of Hinduism is based on the belief in one formless, all- pervading God, the Brahman. That formless God, however, can best be realised by concentrating on various forms of ideal personalities as recorded in the scriptures, such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Rama and Krishna.

These gods and goddesses, including all the village deities, number in millions. They resemble humans, animals or natural forces such as wind, water, fire, sun and moon; some have multiple arms to express their domination over all directions of space, and some have multiple heads to indicate their broad vision. Each has different powers to bless the world, so Hindus may relate to different gods and goddesses depending on their religious needs, though usually the deity they worship is the god of their forefathers.

The pilgrims will worship their chosen deities at the Kumbh Mela, but the main focus of the festival is the spiritual energy radiating from the Ganges and the Holy men.